“Upward mobility based on traditional male jobs, such as in unionized manufacturing, is a thing of the past,” Ms. Coontz writes. “Real wages have fallen for unskilled workers and those without a college degree. Even in the middle class, soaring housing and college-tuition expenses have made it harder for one-income families to prepare their children for middle-class careers.”

Even as it becomes harder for men to remain sole or primary providers, they’re urged to take a larger role in child rearing and household maintenance. Many men do want to spend more time at home but feel they can’t because of economic stresses—yet they chafe, too, at the idea that they should feel guilty about any time they take for themselves.

I’ve written here extensively about the dynamics of my family, in which my wife is the larger earner, but I’m interested in the perspective of families that follow the traditional model. Readers, if you’re a male primary earner, what pressures are you under that you wish were better understood? If you’re the wife in such a couple, how has it looked to you?

We're in VT skiing for a few days. There is no way we could pack ski gear and clothes for 5 people in a Honda Pilot w/o a Thule box. I love the beds in Marriott hotels. I keep intending to find out what brand they are. I'm not crazy about my current bed, I can't even remember what brand it is. We had to have the one before it replaced after 6 months (free of charge) because it sagged so badly.

About The Juggle

The Juggle examines the choices and tradeoffs people make as they juggle work and family. The site provides readers with news, insight and tips on parenting, workplace issues, commuting, caregiving and other issues busy readers with families face. It is also a place for readers to share and compare their own work-and-family experiences and to seek advice and recommendations. The Juggle is includes regular contributions from other staffers at the Journal. Contact the Juggle with ideas or suggestions at thejuggle@wsj.com